x, 421 pages 21 cm

The Biblical book of Koheleth (Ecclesiastes), which originated in the last centuries before the Christian era, is a basically heterodox if not an altogether heretical work. Above all, it is a profoundly human book. The unknown author has lost the faith of the Prophets in the victory of justice in the world and the belief that man can attain an understanding of the meaning of life. God does indeed exist, but his relation to the world and man is open to question. The gentle skeptic, sure only of his innate desire for happiness, calls upon man to accept the enjoyment that this transitory life affords. Ecclesiastes receives a thoroughgoing literary, philosophical and stylistic analysis, against the background of both Hebrew and Near Eastern Wisdom literature and in relation to Egyptian and Greek thought. The vocabulary and phraseology of the highly personal, whimsical, unconventional work leads the author to an appreciation of the character of the sophisticated anonymous writer: It is the style that is fundamental to the charm and perennial appeal of Koheleth. The scholarly reader will find, in addition, a new translation of, and a detailed commentary on, the work

"The book of Koheleth; Hebrew text and a new translation": pages [145]-201

Includes bibliographical references

The larger background of Oriental wisdom -- The framework of Hebrew thought -- The content and scope of Hebrew wisdom literature -- The theory of Solomonic authorship and Koheleth's place in the canon -- Koheleth and Hebrew literature -- The relationship of Koheleth to Greek and Egyptian thought -- The language of Koheleth -- The date and provenance of Koheleth -- The integrity of the book -- Koheleth the man -- The style -- his religious vocabulary -- The style -- his use of quotations -- Other stylistic features -- Koheleth and modern existentialism -- The world-view of Koheleth -- Text and versions -- The book of Koheleth, Hebrew text and a new translation -- Commentary

plus-circle Add Review

comment

Reviews